ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.293 by root, Wed Mar 24 18:27:13 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.318 by root, Fri Oct 22 09:40:22 2010 UTC

26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial 76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82 82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 84
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
124this argument. 124this argument.
125 125
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 127
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practise 129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't 130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use 131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do 132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. 133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134 134
165 165
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 166=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 167
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. 170you actually want to know. Also interetsing is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
171 172
172=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
173 174
174Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
175either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 176either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
192as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 193as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
193compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 194compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
194not a problem. 195not a problem.
195 196
196Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 197Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
197version. 198version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :).
198 199
199 assert (("libev version mismatch", 200 assert (("libev version mismatch",
200 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 201 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
201 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 202 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
202 203
213 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 214 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
214 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 215 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
215 216
216=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 217=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
217 218
218Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 219Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
219recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 220also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
221descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
220returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 222C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
221most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 223and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
222(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 224you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
223libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 225probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
224 226
225=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 227=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
226 228
227Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 229Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
228is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 230is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends
292 294
293=back 295=back
294 296
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 297=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
296 298
297An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 299An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
298is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 300I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
299I<function>). 301libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 302
301The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 303The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 304supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops
303not. 305which do not.
304 306
305=over 4 307=over 4
306 308
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 309=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 310
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 441of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 442I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 443even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
442on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 444on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 445employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 446events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
447not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
448perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
445 449
446While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 450While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
447will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 451will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
448incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 452incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
449I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 453I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
604Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 608Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
605earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 609earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
606 610
607=item ev_default_fork () 611=item ev_default_fork ()
608 612
609This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 613This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
610to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 614to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
611name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 615name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
612the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 616the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
613sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 617sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
614functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 618functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
615 619
616Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 620Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
617a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 621a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
618because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 622because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
619during fork. 623during fork.
620 624
621On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 625On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
622process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If you 626process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
623just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to call 627you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
624it at all. 628call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
629difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
630costly reset of the backend).
625 631
626The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 632The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
627it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 633it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
628quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 634quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
629 635
641Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 647Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
642otherwise. 648otherwise.
643 649
644=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 650=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
645 651
646Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 652Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
647the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 653to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
648happily wraps around with enough iterations. 654and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
649 655
650This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 656This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
651"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 657"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
652C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 658C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
653prepare and check phases. 659prepare and check phases.
654 660
655=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 661=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
656 662
657Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 663Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
658times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 664times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
659 665
660Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 666Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
661C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 667C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
662in which case it is higher. 668in which case it is higher.
663 669
664Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 670Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
665etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 671etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
666ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 672ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
667 673
668=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 674=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
669 675
670Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 676Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
671use. 677use.
680 686
681=item ev_now_update (loop) 687=item ev_now_update (loop)
682 688
683Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 689Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
684returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 690returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
685is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 691is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
686 692
687This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 693This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
688very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 694very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
689the current time is a good idea. 695the current time is a good idea.
690 696
692 698
693=item ev_suspend (loop) 699=item ev_suspend (loop)
694 700
695=item ev_resume (loop) 701=item ev_resume (loop)
696 702
697These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 703These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
698not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 704loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
699 705
700A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 706A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
701the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 707the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
702would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 708would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
703the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 709the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
705C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 711C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
706 712
707Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 713Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
708between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 714between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
709will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 715will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
710occured while suspended). 716occurred while suspended).
711 717
712After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 718After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
713given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 719given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
714without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 720without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
715 721
716Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 722Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
717event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 723event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
718 724
719=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 725=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
720 726
721Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 727Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
722after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 728after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
723handling events. 729handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
730the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
731is why event loops are called I<loops>.
724 732
725If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 733If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
726either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 734until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
735called.
727 736
728Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 737Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
729relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 738relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
730finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 739finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
731that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 740that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
732of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 741of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
733beauty. 742beauty.
734 743
735A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 744A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
736those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 745those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
737process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 746block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
738the loop. 747iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
748events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
739 749
740A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 750A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
741necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 751necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
742will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 752will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
743be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 753be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
744user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 754user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
745iteration of the loop. 755iteration of the loop.
746 756
747This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 757This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
748with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 758with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
749own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 759own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
750usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 760usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
751 761
752Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 762Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
753 763
764 - Increment loop depth.
765 - Reset the ev_break status.
754 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 766 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
767 LOOP:
755 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 768 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
756 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 769 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
757 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 770 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
771 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
758 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 772 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
759 as to not disturb the other process. 773 as to not disturb the other process.
760 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 774 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
761 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 775 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
762 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 776 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
763 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 777 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
764 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 778 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
765 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 779 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
780 - Increment loop iteration counter.
766 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 781 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
767 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 782 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
768 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 783 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
769 - Queue all expired timers. 784 - Queue all expired timers.
770 - Queue all expired periodics. 785 - Queue all expired periodics.
771 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 786 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
772 - Queue all check watchers. 787 - Queue all check watchers.
773 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 788 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
774 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 789 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
775 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 790 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
776 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 791 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
777 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 792 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
778 continue with step *. 793 continue with step LOOP.
794 FINISH:
795 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
796 - Decrement the loop depth.
797 - Return.
779 798
780Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 799Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
781anymore. 800anymore.
782 801
783 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 802 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
784 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 803 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
785 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 804 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
786 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 805 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
787 806
788=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 807=item ev_break (loop, how)
789 808
790Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 809Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
791has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 810has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
792C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 811C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
793C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 812C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
794 813
795This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 814This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
796 815
797It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 816It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO##
798 817
799=item ev_ref (loop) 818=item ev_ref (loop)
800 819
801=item ev_unref (loop) 820=item ev_unref (loop)
802 821
803Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 822Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
804loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 823loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
805count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 824count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
806 825
807This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 826This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
808unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 827unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
809returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref> 828returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
810before stopping it. 829before stopping it.
811 830
812As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 831As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
813is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 832is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
814exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 833exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
815excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 834excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
816third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 835third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
817before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 836before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
818before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 837before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
819(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 838(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
820in the callback). 839in the callback).
821 840
822Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 841Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
823running when nothing else is active. 842running when nothing else is active.
824 843
825 ev_signal exitsig; 844 ev_signal exitsig;
826 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 845 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
827 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 846 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
872usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 891usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
873as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 892as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
874you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 893you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
875parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 894parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
876need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01, 895need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
877then you can't do more than 100 transations per second). 896then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
878 897
879Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 898Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
880saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 899saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
881are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 900are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
882times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 901times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
890 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 909 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
891 910
892=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 911=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
893 912
894This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 913This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
895pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 914pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
896but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 915but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
916function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
917when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
918event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
919thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
897 920
898=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 921=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
899 922
900Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 923Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
901are pending. 924are pending.
902 925
903=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 926=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
904 927
905This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 928This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
906invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 929invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
907this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 930this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
908invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 931invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
909 932
910If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 933If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
911callback. 934callback.
914 937
915Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 938Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
916can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 939can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
917each call to a libev function. 940each call to a libev function.
918 941
919However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 942However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
920wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 943to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
921C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 944loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
922and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 945I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
923 946
924When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 947When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
925suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 948suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
926afterwards. 949afterwards.
927 950
930 953
931While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 954While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
932C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 955C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
933modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 956modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
934have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time 957have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
935waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it 958waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
936to take note of any changes you made. 959to take note of any changes you made.
937 960
938In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 961In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
939invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 962invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
940 963
941See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 964See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
942document. 965document.
943 966
952These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 975These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
953and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 976and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
954C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 977C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
955any other purpose as well. 978any other purpose as well.
956 979
957=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 980=item ev_verify (loop)
958 981
959This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 982This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
960compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 983compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
961through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 984through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
962is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 985is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
973 996
974In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 997In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
975watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 998watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
976watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 999watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
977 1000
978A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1001A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
979interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1002your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
980become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1003to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1004for that:
981 1005
982 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1006 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
983 { 1007 {
984 ev_io_stop (w); 1008 ev_io_stop (w);
985 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1009 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
986 } 1010 }
987 1011
988 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1012 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
989 1013
990 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1014 ev_io stdin_watcher;
991 1015
992 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1016 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
993 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1017 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
994 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1018 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
995 1019
996 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1020 ev_run (loop, 0);
997 1021
998As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1022As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
999watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1023watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
1000stack). 1024stack).
1001 1025
1002Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1026Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1003or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1027or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1004 1028
1005Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1029Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1006(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1030*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
1007callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1031invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
1008watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1032time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1009is readable and/or writable). 1033and/or writable).
1010 1034
1011Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1035Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1012macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1036macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1013is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1037is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1014ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1038ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1065 1089
1066=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1090=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1067 1091
1068=item C<EV_CHECK> 1092=item C<EV_CHECK>
1069 1093
1070All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1094All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
1071to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1095to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
1072C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1096C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
1073received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1097received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1074many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1098many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
1075(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1099(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1076C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1100C<ev_run> from blocking).
1077 1101
1078=item C<EV_EMBED> 1102=item C<EV_EMBED>
1079 1103
1080The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1104The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1081 1105
1109example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 1133example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
1110callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 1134callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
1111the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 1135the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
1112programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1136programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1113thing, so beware. 1137thing, so beware.
1138
1139=back
1140
1141=head2 WATCHER STATES
1142
1143There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1144active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1145transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1146rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1147
1148=over 4
1149
1150=item initialiased
1151
1152Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1153initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1154C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1155
1156In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1157in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1158
1159=item started/running/active
1160
1161Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1162property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1163this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1164freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1165and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1166
1167=item pending
1168
1169If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1170in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1171stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1172about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1173callback.
1174
1175The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1176an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1177is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1178but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1179moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1180previous item still apply.
1181
1182It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1183via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1184active.
1185
1186=item stopped
1187
1188A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1189be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1190latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1191of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1192freeing it is often a good idea.
1193
1194While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1195initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1196you wish.
1114 1197
1115=back 1198=back
1116 1199
1117=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1200=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1118 1201
1380 1463
1381For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1464For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1382you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1465you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1383the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1466the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1384processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1467processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1385continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1468continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1386the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1469the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1387workable. 1470workable.
1388 1471
1389Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1472Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1390miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1473miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1404 { 1487 {
1405 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1488 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1406 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1489 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1407 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1490 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1408 1491
1409 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1492 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1410 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1493 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1411 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1494 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1412 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1495 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1413 } 1496 }
1414 1497
1468 1551
1469If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1552If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1470known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1553known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1471C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1554C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1472descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1555descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1473files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1556files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1474 1557
1475Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1558Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1476receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1559receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1477be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1560be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1478because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1561because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1622 ... 1705 ...
1623 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1706 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1624 ev_io stdin_readable; 1707 ev_io stdin_readable;
1625 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1708 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1626 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1709 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1627 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1710 ev_run (loop, 0);
1628 1711
1629 1712
1630=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1713=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1631 1714
1632Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1715Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1641The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1724The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1642passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1725passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1643might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1726might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1644same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1727same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1645before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1728before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1646no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1729no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1647 1730
1648=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1731=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1649 1732
1650Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1733Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1651recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1734recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1737 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1820 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1738 1821
1739 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1822 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1740 if (timeout < now) 1823 if (timeout < now)
1741 { 1824 {
1742 // timeout occured, take action 1825 // timeout occurred, take action
1743 } 1826 }
1744 else 1827 else
1745 { 1828 {
1746 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1829 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1747 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1830 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1774 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER); 1857 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1775 1858
1776And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1859And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1777C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1860C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1778 1861
1779 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1862 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1780 1863
1781This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1864This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1782time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1865time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1783 1866
1784Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1867Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1822 1905
1823=head3 The special problem of time updates 1906=head3 The special problem of time updates
1824 1907
1825Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1908Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1826least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1909least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1827time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1910time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1828growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1911growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1829lots of events in one iteration. 1912lots of events in one iteration.
1830 1913
1831The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1914The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1832time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1915time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1949 } 2032 }
1950 2033
1951 ev_timer mytimer; 2034 ev_timer mytimer;
1952 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2035 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1953 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2036 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1954 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2037 ev_run (loop, 0);
1955 2038
1956 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2039 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1957 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2040 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1958 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2041 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1959 2042
1985 2068
1986As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2069As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1987point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2070point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1988timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2071timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1989earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2072earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1990(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2073(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1991 2074
1992=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2075=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1993 2076
1994=over 4 2077=over 4
1995 2078
2123Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2206Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2124system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2207system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2125potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2208potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2126 2209
2127 static void 2210 static void
2128 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2211 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2129 { 2212 {
2130 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2213 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2131 } 2214 }
2132 2215
2133 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2216 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2233Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2316Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2234 2317
2235 static void 2318 static void
2236 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2319 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2237 { 2320 {
2238 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2321 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2239 } 2322 }
2240 2323
2241 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2324 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2242 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2325 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2243 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2326 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2629 2712
2630Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2713Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2631prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2714prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2632afterwards. 2715afterwards.
2633 2716
2634You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2717You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2635the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2718the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2636watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2719watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2637rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2720rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2638those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2721those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2639C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2722C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2807 2890
2808 if (timeout >= 0) 2891 if (timeout >= 0)
2809 // create/start timer 2892 // create/start timer
2810 2893
2811 // poll 2894 // poll
2812 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2895 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2813 2896
2814 // stop timer again 2897 // stop timer again
2815 if (timeout >= 0) 2898 if (timeout >= 0)
2816 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2899 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2817 2900
2895if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2978if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2896 2979
2897=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2980=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2898 2981
2899Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2982Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2900similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2983similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2901appropriate way for embedded loops. 2984appropriate way for embedded loops.
2902 2985
2903=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2986=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2904 2987
2905The embedded event loop. 2988The embedded event loop.
2965C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3048C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2966handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3049handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2967 3050
2968=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3051=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2969 3052
2970Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3053Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2971up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3054up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2972sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3055sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2973 3056
2974This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3057This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2975in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3058in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3009believe me. 3092believe me.
3010 3093
3011=back 3094=back
3012 3095
3013 3096
3014=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3097=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3015 3098
3016In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3099In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3017asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3100asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3018loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3101loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3019 3102
3020Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3103Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3021control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3104for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3022C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3105watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
3023can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3106it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3024safe.
3025 3107
3026This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3108This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3027too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3109too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3028(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3110(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3029C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3111C<ev_async_sent> calls).
3341 myclass obj; 3423 myclass obj;
3342 ev::io iow; 3424 ev::io iow;
3343 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3425 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3344 3426
3345=item w->set (object *) 3427=item w->set (object *)
3346
3347This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3348 3428
3349This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3429This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3350will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3430will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3351functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3431functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3352the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3432the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3392Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3472Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3393do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3473do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3394 3474
3395=item w->set ([arguments]) 3475=item w->set ([arguments])
3396 3476
3397Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3477Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3398called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3478method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3399automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3479C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3400method. 3480when reconfiguring it with this method.
3401 3481
3402=item w->start () 3482=item w->start ()
3403 3483
3404Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3484Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3405constructor already stores the event loop. 3485constructor already stores the event loop.
3406 3486
3487=item w->start ([arguments])
3488
3489Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3490convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3491the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3492
3407=item w->stop () 3493=item w->stop ()
3408 3494
3409Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3495Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3410 3496
3411=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3497=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3423 3509
3424=back 3510=back
3425 3511
3426=back 3512=back
3427 3513
3428Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3514Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3429the constructor. 3515watchers in the constructor.
3430 3516
3431 class myclass 3517 class myclass
3432 { 3518 {
3433 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3519 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3520 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3434 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3521 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3435 3522
3436 myclass (int fd) 3523 myclass (int fd)
3437 { 3524 {
3438 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3525 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3526 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3439 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3527 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3440 3528
3441 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3529 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3530 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3531
3532 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3442 } 3533 }
3443 }; 3534 };
3444 3535
3445 3536
3446=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3537=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3520loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3611loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3521C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3612C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3522 3613
3523 ev_unref (EV_A); 3614 ev_unref (EV_A);
3524 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3615 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3525 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3616 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3526 3617
3527It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3618It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3528which is often provided by the following macro. 3619which is often provided by the following macro.
3529 3620
3530=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3621=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3570 } 3661 }
3571 3662
3572 ev_check check; 3663 ev_check check;
3573 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3664 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3574 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3665 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3575 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3666 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3576 3667
3577=head1 EMBEDDING 3668=head1 EMBEDDING
3578 3669
3579Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3670Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3580applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3671applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3671to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all 3762to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3672users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible 3763users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3673settings. 3764settings.
3674 3765
3675=over 4 3766=over 4
3767
3768=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3769
3770Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3771release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3772have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3773
3774You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3775versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3776sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3777from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3778typedef in that case.
3779
3780In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3781and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3782removed completely.
3676 3783
3677=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 3784=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3678 3785
3679Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3786Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3680keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3787keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3887EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE, 3994EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
3888EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE. 3995EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3889 3996
3890If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then 3997If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3891the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it 3998the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3892is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves codesize. 3999is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3893 4000
3894=item EV_FEATURES 4001=item EV_FEATURES
3895 4002
3896If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4003If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3897speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request 4004speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3917 4024
3918=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4025=item C<1> - faster/larger code
3919 4026
3920Use larger code to speed up some operations. 4027Use larger code to speed up some operations.
3921 4028
3922Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the roughly 4029Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
392330% code size on amd64. 4030code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
3924 4031
3925When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4032When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
3926gcc recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4033gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
3927assertions. 4034assertions.
3928 4035
3929=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4036=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
3930 4037
3931Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4038Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
3932hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase codesize 4039hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
3933and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4040and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
3934runtime. 4041runtime.
3935 4042
3936=item C<4> - full API configuration 4043=item C<4> - full API configuration
3937 4044
3974I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4081I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
3975 4082
3976=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4083=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3977 4084
3978If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4085If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3979functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize 4086functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
3980somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your 4087somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
3981libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite 4088libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3982big. 4089big.
3983 4090
3984Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is 4091Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3988 4095
3989The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4096The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3990signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4097signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3991automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4098automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3992specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4099specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3993good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4100good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3994statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4101statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3995 4102
3996=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4103=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3997 4104
3998C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4105C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
4030The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 4137The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4031will be C<0>. 4138will be C<0>.
4032 4139
4033=item EV_VERIFY 4140=item EV_VERIFY
4034 4141
4035Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4142Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4036be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4143be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
4037in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4144in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4038called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4145called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4039called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4146called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4040verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4147verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4044will be C<0>. 4151will be C<0>.
4045 4152
4046=item EV_COMMON 4153=item EV_COMMON
4047 4154
4048By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4155By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
4049this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4156this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
4050members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4157members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
4051though, and it must be identical each time. 4158though, and it must be identical each time.
4052 4159
4053For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4160For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
4054 4161
4255 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4362 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4256 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4363 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4257 } 4364 }
4258 4365
4259The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4366The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4260into C<ev_loop>: 4367into C<ev_run>:
4261 4368
4262 void * 4369 void *
4263 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4370 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4264 { 4371 {
4265 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4372 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4266 4373
4267 l_acquire (EV_A); 4374 l_acquire (EV_A);
4268 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4375 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4269 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4376 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4270 l_release (EV_A); 4377 l_release (EV_A);
4271 4378
4272 return 0; 4379 return 0;
4273 } 4380 }
4274 4381
4326 4433
4327=head3 COROUTINES 4434=head3 COROUTINES
4328 4435
4329Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4436Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4330libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4437libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4331coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4438coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4332different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4439different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4333the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4440the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4334that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4441that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4335 4442
4336Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4443Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4337C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4444C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4338they do not call any callbacks. 4445they do not call any callbacks.
4339 4446
4340=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4447=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4341 4448
4342Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4449Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4353maintainable. 4460maintainable.
4354 4461
4355And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4462And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4356wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4463wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4357seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4464seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4358warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4465warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4359been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4466been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4360such buggy versions. 4467such buggy versions.
4361 4468
4362While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4469While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4363"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4470"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4399I suggest using suppression lists. 4506I suggest using suppression lists.
4400 4507
4401 4508
4402=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4509=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4403 4510
4511=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4512
4513GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4514interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4515
4516That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4517files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4518
4519Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4520by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4521standard libev compiled for their system.
4522
4523Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4524suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4525i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4526
4527=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4528
4529The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4530you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4531OpenGL drivers.
4532
4533=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4534
4535The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4536only sockets, many support pipes.
4537
4538Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4539rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4540loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4541probably going to work well.
4542
4543=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4544
4545Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4546implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4547release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4548
4549Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4550this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4551a loop.
4552
4553=head3 C<select> is buggy
4554
4555All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4556one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4557descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4558you use more.
4559
4560There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4561C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4562work on OS/X.
4563
4564=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4565
4566=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4567
4568The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4569thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4570without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4571defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4572
4573If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4574it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4575
4576=head3 Event port backend
4577
4578The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4579ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4580releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4581a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4582and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4583are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4584great.
4585
4586If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4587the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4588C<select> backends.
4589
4590=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4591
4592AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4593this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4594compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4595with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4596
4404=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4597=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4598
4599=head3 General issues
4405 4600
4406Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4601Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4407requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4602requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4408model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4603model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4409the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4604the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4410descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4605descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4411e.g. cygwin. 4606e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4607as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4608environment.
4412 4609
4413Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4610Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4414re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4611re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4415things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4612then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4416way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4613also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4417 4614
4418There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4615There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4419embedding it into other applications. 4616embedding it into other applications.
4420 4617
4421Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4618Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4449you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4646you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4450 4647
4451 #include "evwrap.h" 4648 #include "evwrap.h"
4452 #include "ev.c" 4649 #include "ev.c"
4453 4650
4454=over 4
4455
4456=item The winsocket select function 4651=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4457 4652
4458The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4653The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4459requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4654requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4460also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4655also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4461requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4656requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4470 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4665 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4471 4666
4472Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4667Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4473complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4668complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4474 4669
4475=item Limited number of file descriptors 4670=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4476 4671
4477Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4672Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4478 4673
4479Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4674Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4480of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4675of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4495runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 4690runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4496(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 4691(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4497you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 4692you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4498the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4693the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4499 4694
4500=back
4501
4502=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4695=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4503 4696
4504In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4697In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4505backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4698backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4506 4699
4544watchers. 4737watchers.
4545 4738
4546=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4739=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4547 4740
4548The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4741The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4549have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4742have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4550enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4743good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4744(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4551implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4745implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4552ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4746IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
45532200.
4554 4747
4555=back 4748=back
4556 4749
4557If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4750If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4558 4751
4636compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 4829compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be
4637removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 4830removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late.
4638 4831
4639=over 4 4832=over 4
4640 4833
4641=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 4834=item function/symbol renames
4642 4835
4643=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 4836A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4644 4837
4645=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 4838 ev_loop => ev_run
4839 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4840 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4841
4842 ev_unloop => ev_break
4843 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4844 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4845 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4846
4847 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4848
4849 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4850 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4851 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4646 4852
4647Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 4853Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4648C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is 4854C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4855associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4856ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4857as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4649still called C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the 4858C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4650C<ev_fork> typedef. 4859typedef.
4651 4860
4652=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> renamed to C<EV_TIMER> in C<revents> 4861=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4653 4862
4654This is a simple rename - all other watcher types use their name 4863The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4655as revents flag, and now C<ev_timer> does, too. 4864C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4656 4865section.
4657Both C<EV_TIMER> and C<EV_TIMEOUT> symbols were present in 3.x versions
4658and continue to be present for the forseeable future, so this is mostly a
4659documentation change.
4660 4866
4661=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 4867=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4662 4868
4663The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 4869The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4664mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 4870mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4671 4877
4672=over 4 4878=over 4
4673 4879
4674=item active 4880=item active
4675 4881
4676A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4882A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4677an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4883See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4678 4884
4679=item application 4885=item application
4680 4886
4681In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4887In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4888
4889=item backend
4890
4891The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4682 4892
4683=item callback 4893=item callback
4684 4894
4685The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4895The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4686detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4896detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4687received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4897received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4688 4898
4689=item callback invocation 4899=item callback/watcher invocation
4690 4900
4691The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4901The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4692 4902
4693=item event 4903=item event
4694 4904
4713The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4923The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4714watchers and events. 4924watchers and events.
4715 4925
4716=item pending 4926=item pending
4717 4927
4718A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 4928A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4719and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 4929detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4720pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4721
4722A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4723its pending status.
4724 4930
4725=item real time 4931=item real time
4726 4932
4727The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 4933The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4728 4934
4735=item watcher 4941=item watcher
4736 4942
4737A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 4943A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4738to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 4944to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4739 4945
4740=item watcher invocation
4741
4742The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4743
4744=back 4946=back
4745 4947
4746=head1 AUTHOR 4948=head1 AUTHOR
4747 4949
4748Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 4950Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines